In 2013, pop punk sweethearts The Dollyrots reproduced. But their new baby didn’t slow them down: they just brought him on tour. Thus the title of their upcoming live CD/DVD, Family Vacation: Live in the Los Angeles.
Released on March 11, 2016, Family Vacation is a concert film with a companion live album that captures The Dollyrots on their 2015 summer tour with long-time roadmates Bowling For Soup. It’s 40 minutes of pure rock frenzy, harnessed by filmmaker Ian MacLeod and delivered as both a video/audio download and deluxe double disc set.
The term “family” not only describes singer/bassist Kelly Ogden, guitarist Luis Cabezas, and their baby River, but also the extended family of Dollyrots fans, who supported the creation of this live CD/DVD by crowdfunding it on PledgeMusic. Those who contributed to the project received the film and album weeks before the public street date, and were also privy to some special extras, including a bonus studio EP and exclusive memorabilia. As Kelly puts it, “There are a lot of fans who might never get out to a Dollyrots show in the flesh, so we did our best to bring the experience to them. The only things missing are the ringing ears and sweaty hugs…but other than that I think we nailed it!”
Since their formation 15 years ago, The Dollyrtos have played over a thousand shows and released five studio albums, but Family Vacation is their first ever official live record. After releasing material on both Lookout! Records and Joan Jett’s Blackheart Records, the band decided to go completely independent for their last few releases, and 2014’s Barefoot and Pregnant (released through the band’s own label, Arrested Youth Records) enjoyed a #7 debut on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart. They hope their fans will similarly embrace Family Vacation, which comes on the heels of multiple US tours in 2015 and a three-week tour of the United Kingdom with Bowling For Soup this past February.
Screaming, staying up all night, and vomiting everywhere: Family Vacation shows that punk rock and parenting aren’t so different after all. And it stands as proof that just because you grow up doesn’t mean you have to stop being awesome.
California
The Dollyrots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not a cloud cloud in the sky to speak of
Everyone's swimming in the surf
And palm trees line the streets you walk on
Showing off your brand new fan says
Bleach blond hottie get their ditches
And walking down the Walk of Fame 'cause
Meet me in California
Where you can have it all, yeah
We'll be in California
The sun is shining bright
And well it starts tonight
Yeah, yeah, tonight
Can I give it a try
Going swimming in your pool, yeah
The view from the Hills is so so georgeous
Everyone's got their brand new boards for
Day and night they walk the carpet
Meet me in California
Where you can have it all, yeah
We'll be in California
The sun is shining bright
And well it starts tonight
Yeah, yeah, tonight
Can I give it a try
Where anybody, loves everybody
And everybody, hates on nobody
Where anybody can become, come, come somebody
Yeah, you've got California dreams where
Your souls so free to do whatever
It's like totally what it seems
Coz the west is best, always forever
Meet me in California
Where you can have it all, yeah
We'll be in California
The sun is shining bright
And well it starts tonight
Yeah, yeah, tonight
Can I give it a try
Yeah, you've got California dreams
Coz the west is best, always forever
The Dollyrots' song "California" depicts the allure and idealized image of the Golden State. The lyrics are an invitation to join in on the fun and bask in the endless sunshine, perfect weather, and the carefree lifestyle of the West Coast. The song celebrates the beauty of the state, highlighting some of its marvels like the magnificent beaches, the blue skies, and the palm tree-lined boulevards. The West Coast is depicted as an environment where one's wildest fantasies can manifest, and anyone can become whoever they want. It showcases the desire to escape from life's pressures and immerse oneself in the ever-vibrant, exciting California.
The song invokes a sense of fun, excitement and idealism. It captures the youthful exuberance and incessant thirst to have a good time that is often associated with the Golden State. "California" is not like your typical gloomy, introspective song. On the contrary, it’s an upbeat, energetic piece of music that makes you want to travel to California and experience everything the state has to offer. The track reminds listeners that the West Coast remains an unyielding symbol of freedom, hope, and possibility.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a place where the skies are blue
A place where there are no clouds in the sky to obstruct the view
Everyone's swimming in the surf
People are enjoying the waves in the ocean
And palm trees line the streets you walk on
The roads are dotted with palm trees
Showing off your brand new fan says
Boasting about your new fan
Bleach blond hottie get their ditches
Blond people showing off their attractive bodies
And walking down the Walk of Fame 'cause
Strolling on the path of fame on Sunset Strip
Sunset Strip's where you do your business
Sunset Strip is the place to be to conduct business
Meet me in California
Let's get together in California
Where you can have it all, yeah
A place where you can have everything you want
The sun is shining bright
The weather is nice and sunny
And well it starts tonight
The good times begin tonight
Going swimming in your pool, yeah
Taking a dip in the swimming pool
The view from the Hills is so so gorgeous
The scenic beauty is breathtaking from the hills
Everyone's got their brand new boards for
Everyone has their new surfboards
Day and night they walk the carpet
People are walking on the carpet even at night
Where anybody, loves everybody
A place where everyone loves everyone else
And everybody, hates on nobody
No one is hated or disliked
Where anybody can become, come, come somebody
Everyone has the potential to succeed and become famous
Yeah, you've got California dreams where
You have aspirations of living the California lifestyle
Your souls so free to do whatever
A place where you are free to do whatever you want
It's like totally what it seems
The reality of California is just as good as it seems
Coz the west is best, always forever
The Western part of America, including California, is the best place to be
Can I give it a try
Can I give living in California a chance?
Contributed by Parker D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
LISTEN TO THE VOICES OF HUMANS
Just heard this song on XM radio last week and I haven't stoped playing it. Glad I discovered this band. Better late then never.
Mike Buchholz
Love this song.
Augusta Meyers
She's so pretty. I've been listening ever since the beginning.They always have been my favorite band to rock out to.
Amyt3402
met the dollyrots in October they are really cool people :)
roxy rose
Awesome wish they wuld make vid for this
DatDutchDude
Second! This is totally going on my California album :3
James Model
I wanna be a california beach boy ;)
Rotary FC
I have everything nailed, except the fact that I am not Californian.
Austin Davis
Tap Tap Revenge anyone